Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is back in the Kentucky Derby chase in earnest after pacesetting Citizen Bull and Gaming provided him with a one-two finish in the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juveni
The buildup is nearly over. At long last, the 41st Breeders’ Cup is upon us — providing 14 Breeders’ Cup races to test your handicapping and wagering skills, plus numerous supporting events, many of them stakes.
Here are some opinions for Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar.
Friday, $2 million NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, Race 7, 6:25 p.m. ET
The Breeders’ Cup can certainly claim its title as a World Championship event this year with 19 entries from Japan and its usual slew of contenders from Europe. Not to be overlooked in the international cast are a pair of runners carrying the hopes and dreams of South African racing on their backs.
Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla became fast friends when they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1970. Bob introduced Tom to Thoroughbred racing soon after that.
A year ago, nine runners from Japan participated in the Breeders’ Cup. At that time, it was a record. That there would be more horses making the voyage across the Pacific Ocean for the Breeders’ Cup this weekend wouldn’t have surprised anyone.
But rather than incremental change, Japanese connections have kicked in the proverbial door to this year’s world championship at Del Mar with 19 contenders making the trip.
